A musical journey

September 1, 2012

MARSHALL - From Schubert to U2, Cantus will guide its audience in Marshall on a musical tour of sorts.

Cantus, a Twin Cities-based premier men's vocal ensemble, will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts at Marshall High School.

This activity is made possible in part by a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council (SMAHC) with funds appropriated by the State Legislature and by the Minnesota State Arts Board through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

Aaron Humble, a tenor who's been with the ensemble for eight seasons, said Cantus is a national touring professional vocal ensemble and that being in the group is the members' full-time job.

Cantus is just one of two full-time ensembles in the country, along with Chanticleer. Since its beginning in 1995, Cantus has done 14 recordings.

"We have a strong tradition of supporting the arts in Minnesota," Humble said.

Cantus is doing 100 dates with this tour, On the Shoulders of Giants.

"It's a look at masterworks and great music and how that composer was inspired and how that composer inspired future generations," Humble said about the tour. The concert will feature works from Sibelius, Greig and Schubert to Michael Jackson and Bono from U2.

Cantus is a non-profit, mission-driven organization, Humble said. The nine members of the group perform as chamber musicians and work without a conductor or music director, which allows the audience to experience a connection with the singers.

Humble said Cantus does a lot of educational work and outreach concerts. It also does a high school residency in the Twin Cities.

"We do believe in educating the youthfor young men to be involved," Humble said.

Cantus is a collaborative organization, Humble said, which is used to plan each season.

"We start by brainstorming a theme and then bring in music," he said.

Accessibility to the music is also important to Cantus, Humble said, as you don't have to be a music expert in order to enjoy a performance.

"We speak with the audience and guide them on that (musical) journey," Humble said. "We want to present it in a way that is not 'scary.'"